The phenomenon known as the “Flynn Effect” saw IQ scores increase significantly worldwide from 1932 through the 20th century, with a range of differences of around three to five IQ points per decade.

However, a new study from Northwestern University suggests that a reverse-Flynn Effect may be occurring in the United States. The study covered a large U.S. sample between 2006 and 2018 and found this reverse effect in every category, except for one.

There were consistently negative trends in three out of four cognitive domains, Study Finds reported.

During the study period, there was a decline in ability scores related to verbal reasoning (logic, vocabulary), matrix reasoning (visual problem solving, analogies), and letter and number series (computational/mathematical). However, the scores for 3D rotation (spatial reasoning) generally increased from 2011 to 2018.

Despite the observed decline in IQ scores, corresponding study author Elizabeth Dworak posits people shouldn’t read these findings and think, “Americans are getting less intelligent, as reported by Study Finds.

Written by staff